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Age-Associated Changes and Biology of Aging

Condition: The changes that occur in all people as they get old are called normal biologic aging.

Background: Normal aging causes changes in all systems in the body: muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and all of the organs. These changes can affect physical and mental activities, vision, and hearing.

Risk Factors: The body ages for reasons that are not well understood. It may be that the body’s systems for repairing damage cannot keep up. Damage may be caused by genes, toxins, infections, diet, or many other kinds of exposures.

Rehab Management: Exercise and changes in diet can help slow the effect of aging on the muscles, bones, heart, gastrointestinal (GI) system, and other systems in the body. Hormones may be given if the natural levels are low. Glasses and hearing aids may be needed. Changes in the environment, such as in lighting or noise levels can also help make the effects of aging less of a problem. Older people may also need extra time to understand information, perform tasks, or learn new ways to do things.